California hit $6.16 a gallon for regular gas as of Friday, May 9 — the only state in the country above $6, according to AAA. The national average was $4.54. That $1.62 gap doesn't appear out of thin air: California's own lawmakers, economists, and energy officials confirmed at a state capitol hearing this week that the state's environmental taxes and fees are a major driver of that spread.

Asked by KCRA 3 whether he'd consider even a temporary suspension of the gas tax, Newsom shot back: "Is Donald Trump promoting that? Why isn't Donald Trump providing a federal gas tax holiday?" Asked whether he had any regrets about his administration's approach to oil and gas, he said: "No, quite the contrary. I'm proud of our leadership."

UC Berkeley economist Severin Borenstein told the same hearing a temporary tax adjustment "could help consumers" — no qualifier. Two California refineries shut in the last six months as regulators tightened clean-air rules. Working folks filling the tank aren't a line item in Newsom's 2028 launch strategy. They're the ones covering the bill.